Sherman Co. Republicans call for Rep. Greg Smith to resign

Local GOP committee votes unanimously to demand longtime lawmaker step down amid ethics concerns

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Sherman County Republican Central Committee has voted 10-0 to endorse a resolution calling for Oregon state Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) to immediately resign from office. The move marks the latest step in a growing effort by grassroots Republicans in Eastern Oregon to pressure Smith, the longest-serving member of the Oregon House, to step down amid allegations of conflicts of interest and ethics violations.

Why it matters

Rep. Greg Smith has built a powerful political base over his 25 years in the state legislature, securing funding for rural projects across his district. However, local Republicans are now voicing concerns that Smith's public service has been overshadowed by the perception of self-dealing, with his various public and private roles potentially conflicting with his responsibilities as a state lawmaker.

The details

The Sherman County Republican Central Committee, composed of 10 elected Precinct Committeepersons (PCPs), approved the resolution after what participants described as a "serious" and "measured" discussion. Their action follows a similar move by the Morrow County GOP Committee in January, which first called Smith "unfit to represent the interests of the district" and demanded he step down. Local Republicans have voiced concern that Smith's public service has been overshadowed by the perception of self-dealing, with his various public and private roles potentially conflicting with his responsibilities as a state lawmaker.

  • On February 11, the Sherman County Republican Central Committee voted unanimously to endorse the resolution.
  • In January, the Morrow County GOP Committee first passed a resolution calling for Smith to resign.

The players

Greg Smith

Oregon's 57th District Representative (R-Heppner) and the longest-serving member of the Oregon House, having represented the district since his appointment in 2001.

Carol Von Borstel

Chair of the Sherman County Republican Central Committee.

Brad Lohrey

Precinct Committeeperson (PCP) on the Sherman County Republican Central Committee and former Sheriff of Sherman County.

Calvin Bennett

Chief of Staff for Rep. Greg Smith.

Jim Doherty

Candidate running against Rep. Greg Smith in the May Republican Primary.

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What they’re saying

“Enough is enough.”

— Brad Lohrey, Precinct Committeeperson, Sherman County Republican Central Committee (The Times-Journal)

“This has nothing to do with another candidate and everything to do with Greg Smith's ethics. I want every person and committee that endorses Greg Smith to think about their own ethics.”

— Brad Lohrey, Precinct Committeeperson, Sherman County Republican Central Committee (The Times-Journal)

What’s next

The Oregon Republican Party and the House Republican Caucus have not yet issued public statements in response to the votes in Morrow and Sherman counties. It remains to be seen whether other county-level Republican committees will follow suit and pass similar resolutions, which could increase pressure on state party leaders to address the concerns about Rep. Greg Smith.

The takeaway

The growing push from county-level Republican committees to oust Rep. Greg Smith highlights the tensions within the party, as grassroots activists seek to hold a long-serving incumbent accountable for alleged ethics violations and conflicts of interest, even as Smith has built a formidable political base and support network over his 25 years in the state legislature.